School supplies are proliferating on store shelves, which means summer break is almost over, and a new academic year is upon us. It’s not just kids who are going back to school, though. Veterans of any age interested in attending universities, trade schools, or professional training are also now eyeing the calendar and making plans for how they might better their lives and careers.
10 Free Alternatives to the GI Bill for Veterans
Some can count on the GI Bill to pay their way. Sometimes, however, benefits run out, paperwork problems manifest in the system, or for whatever reason, the veteran just doesn’t qualify. The good news is that the GI Bill isn’t the only way a veteran can attend school for free. Here are 10 alternatives that veterans can tap into that will pay some or all their educational expenses.
1. State-Specific Benefits
It’s not just the federal government that will put a veteran through school. Every state offers something as well. These benefits tend to be most prevalent for members of the National Guard, but some states have something for every service member. Check out this comprehensive list from the American Legion, which lists benefits from every state that are available to veterans and surviving spouses and children of deceased combat veterans.
2. Veteran Readiness and Employment
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a program called Veteran Readiness and Employment—sometimes called Chapter 31—which is available for veterans with service-connected disabilities that limit (or prevent) the ability to work. Among the services offered are 48 months of post-secondary education and training at college, vocational, technical, or business schools. Best of all, VR&E benefits do not count against the GI Bill. Any veteran with an honorable discharge and at least a 10% disability rating by the VA is eligible to apply.
3. National Scholarships
There are several veteran-specific scholarships out there, including one from the Pat Tillman Foundation, which among other things, covers tuition, books and living expenses; and for children of deceased or 50%-disabled post-9/11 veterans, the American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship.
4. The Yellow Ribbon Program
This one is for veterans who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level, but who want to attend schools that are either incredibly expensive, out-of-state or foreign, graduate level, or any combination of these. The Yellow Ribbon Program will help you get a pricey education without breaking the bank. The VA has more information on how to apply.
5. Online Technical Learning
For veterans who want to pursue careers in the information technology industry, there are nonprofit organizations that offer completely free, rigorous online training programs. Perhaps the most famous of these is NPower, which offers intensive six to nine month courses in everything from cybersecurity to IT support, culminating in industry-standard certifications. (For example, CompTIA Security+, or the Google IT Support Certificate.) You can find out more here.
6. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If you are a veteran with a job, you might be surprised by some of the educational benefits your employer offers. These can include your company paying for you to go back to school, attending a technical school or certification program, or even earning a graduate-level degree (though they might require the degree you are pursuing to be somehow related to your job or the company’s field). Ask your human resources department, or do a little looking around online. It might be the best, most expensive benefit you’re not using.
7. Veterans Upward Bound Program
Not every veteran has the academic skillset necessary to jump straight into college. The Department of Education offers a program aimed at the middle-ground veteran with ambition. The Veterans Upward Bound Program will help veterans earn their high school equivalency, if they don’t already have it, and also will pay for tutoring, remedial, and refresher classes for high school graduates who have been putting off their college education. Their website is pretty awful, but a casual Google search reveals that most local universities and trade schools seem to have offices set up to help you take advantage of the program.
8. Work Study Programs
This one is a great deal for students who are taking advantage of the GI Bill, VR&E, and other eligible programs. The VA offers work-study programs to help students enrolled at least three-quarters time in college make money while pursuing a degree. You’ll be working for the VA at one of its many offices or hospitals; at approved educational facilities such as local universities; state agencies; or even for your local member of Congress. It’ll look great on your resume, will build your personal network when it comes time to find a job, and help you establish references for jobs to which you apply. Students can get started here.
9. Local Grants
You’ll have to do a little searching for this option, but chances are, your local community is awash in small grants for veterans looking to go to college or trade school. These tend to be offered by family foundations and local nonprofits, and are sometimes specific to your major. (In other words, grants offered by a local environmental group probably won’t pay for you to become a petroleum engineer.)
10. Federal Aid
If you are looking for degree funding outside the GI Bill, you would be well-served to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA process does more than help you find federal grants, loans, and work-study support. The schools you want to attend can also use the application to find state and local aid for which you’re eligible. This isn’t a veteran-specific option, but it’s definitely one to pursue. While you are at it, be sure to contact the veterans services office for the college or university you’re interested in attending. They have staff members whose only job is to stay on top of the ever-changing federal and state systems, and know every trick there is to get you the education you earned in the combat zone.
